Mary Ellen Leininger Mims

Born in Los Angeles, CA and departed this physical world in San Luis Obispo, CA on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at the age of 82.

Mary Ellen grew up in Los Angeles and attended Woodrow Wilson High School. While there, she became one of the first female cheerleaders.  As a young woman, Mary Ellen moved to San Luis Obispo and eventually started working for Western Union as relief personnel, which took her to many different cities and states.  Later in life, she returned to San Luis Obispo County to be closer to her parents and to raise the last two of her four children.  She worked many years as a secretary for the planning department of the City of Arroyo Grande, where she ultimately retired.

Mary Ellen was a sassy yet kind person.  She was naturally athletic, usually winning to the chagrin of others including her own children.  She was a ruthless gin rummy player and arguably addicted to video poker.  Mary Ellen had beautiful, warm smile but most of all, she loved her family with all her heart.

Mary Ellen is survived and celebrated by her family:  husband, Robert Mims, her four children:  Russell Mims, Charlene Mims, Nikole Leininger and Paul Leininger, four grandkids: Cole & Ava, Kahar & Aasha,  her brother, James along with her children in law, Jennifer, Monique and Rafael.

A celebration of Mary Ellen’s life will be held at Marshall Spoo Funeral Home in Grover Beach, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2020.

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